Hives, mouth and throat problems, and abdominal pain are some signs of an allergic reaction to bananas. One of the most common allergic reactions, not just to bananas, is hives that itch and spread over the body. People allergic to bananas may also experience itchy and swollen mouths and throats, which can be dangerous if severe. They might also experience abdominal pain and vomiting. On the other hand, banana allergies are somewhat rare and probably not the cause of allergic reaction unless the person is also allergic to other fruits or latex.
A common allergic reaction is hives, which show up as blotchy red welts. Hives are usually itchy and uncomfortable, but rarely are they life threatening or a problem that a doctor needs to address. It is usually recommended to avoid hot showers or tight clothing while dealing with hives. Antihistamines may help the hives go away sooner, but they should fade within minutes to hours without medication. Health professionals usually recommend seeking medical help if the hives linger for longer than two weeks.
Another allergic reaction to bananas is an itchy or swollen mouth or throat. This reaction is usually observed shortly after consuming the banana, but it might not be noticeable at first because mild swelling can be hard to detect. If the swelling is severe, it is best to see a health professional as soon as possible. A lot of swelling of the tongue or throat can lead to difficulty breathing, eventually leading to loss of consciousness and death. Emergency medical services should be contacted if the swelling seems to get worse more quickly than expected.
Abdominal pain is another potential allergic reaction to bananas. This reaction is typically mild, but can be severe enough to lead to vomiting. Most people with banana allergies do not experience abdominal pain, because hives and itchy throats are much more common.
Banana allergies are uncommon, and people allergic to bananas are often allergic to other fruits or latex. Nuts, shellfish, and egg allergies are more common and should be considered as the possible allergen if consumed at around the same time as the banana. It is rare for food allergy reactions to show up hours instead of minutes after consumption of the food, but not entirely unheard of. Banana allergies, like all other allergies, are usually developed the first time a banana is eaten, and then the person has a negative reaction the next time.